Hydrogen-rich saline promotes survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of optic nerve crush.

Objective: To investigate the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) in a rat model subjected to optic nerve crush (ONC).

Methods: We tested the hypothesis that after optic nerve crush (ONC), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) could be protected by H₂. Rats in different groups received saline or hydrogen-rich saline every day for 14 days after ONC.